Murphy always has a laugh, but he was a master at his profession. The Colts seldom spent high draft choices on linebackers after 2000 and never paid much to keep them, with the exception of Gary Brackett. Murphy took what he had and made it work, and when the club turned to him after firing defensive coordinator Larry Coyer on Nov. 29, he felt obligated to his employers, his peers and his players.

He assumed the role. He was a difference-maker. The Colts allowed 29 points while beating Tennessee and Houston, the lone highlights of a 2-14 season.

Of course, it wasn’t all like that. Murphy used to joke that there are 100 U.S. senators but only 32 NFL linebacker coaches. He could add that none of the former averaged 111/2 victories a regular season like the Colts did from 2001-10, and none will leave with a Super Bowl ring.

About Todd Smith

Todd Smith is a part-time sportswriter who spends too much time arguing on Twitter. What he really loves is eating poorly and watching football. He got his first Colts t-shirt in 1984 shortly after the Mayflower trucks arrived and has never given up on his hometown team.
He also still holds to the belief that Kordell Stewart stepped out of the end zone and thus cheated the Colts.